The Old Woman and the Wave

by Shelley Jackson

The wave loves the old woman. That is why it waits on dry land, curled over her house, bent low to hear her every word. Most of these are grumpy, though, for the old woman has lived her whole life beneath the wave and therfore can see nothing good in it. Her roof is stuck like a pincushion with umbrellas, which she hopes will stem the drippings and droppings from above. But no. She and the wave go on with their lives until a wanderer appears and sees not the bother in the wondrous wave, but the possibilities. And then the old woman can see them, too, and together with her old dog Bones she flows away toward the blue and distant mountains, surging and plunging, swirling and climbing in a washtub boat she's had handy just in case the wave ever fell. It had fallen years ago: in love. The words and spectacular collage paintings make something majestic out of newfound vision -- an original way for sharing with young dreamers.

Genres: Picture Books, Adventure, Childrens, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 15, 1998

About the author

Shelley Jackson is an American writer and artist known for her cross-genre experiments, including her hyperfiction, Patchwork Girl (1995). Her first novel was published in 2006, Half Life.

In the late nineties, Jackson alternated hypertext work with writing short stories. She published her first short story collection, The Melancholy of Anatomy, in 2002.

Jackson's first novel, Half Life, was published by HarperCollins in 2006. She currently teaches in the graduate writing program at The New School in New York City and at the European Graduate School in Saas-Fee.[14]

Reviews

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was Ray Bradbury who said something to the effect that children’s books are often more creative and heartfelt than much of ‘adult’ fiction. This is an example of that. A meaningful and well-written tale with beautiful and unique illustrations. Now we just need the sequel that the ending begs.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cranky old woman has always lived under the wave. Does that mean she has to stay there?

I loved the author's painted collage artwork, and the old woman's facial expressions.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stunning picture book about bravery and taking chances boasts gorgeous artwork and a healthy dose of whimsy. Gorgeous.

Suggest to patrons who are looking for unique or mixed media illustration, anyone who wants a good story.

[Angelica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be similar to the Old Lady That Lived in Shoe. Except that this old lady lived in a wave. She loved the wave except for the dripping that would drip into her frying pan or hit her pillow at night. When she realizes that she needs to let go and be free she opens her world.

The pictures are very vibrant. This would be a good book for a first grader to 2nd grade reader.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of a woman who doesn't realize that keeping herself from riding the adventurous wave her life should have taken was wasting her opportunity to live the life she deserved. It was a funny story at the same time as being a cleverly meaningful one. Nicely arranged.

[Marissa Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This stunning picture book about bravery and taking chances boasts gorgeous artwork and a healthy dose of whimsy.

Suggest to patrons who are looking for unique or mixed media illustration, anyone who wants a good story.

[Rachel Jessen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I liked it more than my 4 year old. She seemed bored. Or maybe she was just anxious to get on to the next book in the pile--either way, I think it wasn't a particularly good sign.

[Caitlin Barclay]

This book is about appreciating what you've got! The illustrations are beautiful and it is written in a way that students can try to predict what the moral of the story may be.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about seeing opportunity.

[zunggg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An out of the ordinary fable: glimpses of genius in the extended metaphor and the illustrations, though the writing trips over itself at times. Reminded me a bit of Kobo Abe's The Woman in the Dunes.

[Mellanie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

[Lydia Theobald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such fun, interesting illustrations and a lovely story.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes we need to face our fears.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun story about facing ones fears and embracing opportunity. Accompanied by whimsical, colorful pictures. My daughter liked the main characters "grumpy face".

[wildct2003 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weird story

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the illustrations were nice and the story was very cute. An old lady who lives under a wave, and the wave just wants to show her the world. Sweet story, cute characters. Definitely liked this one, both my daughter and I.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The concept for this was a little "out there." The wave loves the woman so it hangs over her house. Hmm. I thought it was funny that her dog would go swimming in the wave. I like that she learned to love it in the end.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never too old, or young for that matter, to leave what you know and sail on to new adventures.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the collage style illustrations! The scene with the old woman and the dog in their boat on top of the wave is my favorite. :)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Shelley Jackson! Nice illustrations, great story!

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked the illustrations. An interesting story about being ready to see your life as an adventure.

[Tiffany Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the art work.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful mixed media/collage illustration and a quirky story. We loved the imagery.